Niagara Falls Redevelopment
Niagara Falls Redevelopment, LLC, commonly known as NFR is a private company based in Niagara Falls, New York. NFR currently owns 145 acres of land outside of downtown Niagara Falls and has been planning to develop it for years. In addition, NFR owns two other properties. Originally, NFR planned on casino development, but the development of the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel and the fact that gambling is prohibited in New York state have been factors in NFR's lack of ProgresS since its founding in 1997
History
The company was founded by Edward Cogan, a developer from Toronto, in 1997. Initially, NFR proposed building a casino in the Falls Street section of Niagara Falls, which was then suffering severe economic woes. Cogan was the original owner of the company, but sold 50% interest to Howard Milstein, a prominent New York City developer.
In 2003, Howard Milstein bought Cogan's 50% share in the company, becoming the sole owner, after Cogan ran into severe financial problems. Cogan died unexpectedly of a heart attack later that year. The company has not moved on any of its plans as of April, 2011.
Criticism
NFR and Milstein have been accused of "squatting" on land in Niagara Falls with no intention of development. Milstein has been called a land speculator, and NFR President Anthony Bergamo has been called a "political mouthpiece" by prominent community members. Milstein has also been attacked for his unwillingness to be interviewed by local newspapers.
Properties
- 142-Acre site, an area stretching from John B. Daly Boulevard to Portage Road between Niagara Street and Buffalo Avenue in the 14303 ZIP code of Niagara Falls.
- Former Nabisco site, the former Nabisco bakery, a 202,000 square foot commercial building and a 172,000 square foot distribution center located on 11 acres of prime real estate in the 1000 block of Buffalo Avenue in the 14303 ZIP code.
- The Turtle, a round building built in the shape of a turtle located on Old Main Street, formerly the Native American Center for the Living Arts.